WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- Courtney Alexander continued to shine off the bench,
scoring 26 points as the Washington Wizards posted a season-high point
total in a 115-90 victory over the last-place Chicago Bulls.

Alexander, seeing more playing time with the absence of injured superstar
Michael Jordan, followed up Sunday's season-high 32-point performance
against the Orlando Magic by hitting 9-of-11 shots from the field and
sinking all eight of his free-throw attempts.

"The last two games I have felt really good," said Alexander, who did all
his damage in 28 minutes. "It has been an up-and-down season for me --
more downs than ups. This is the pivotal part of the season so it feels
really good to contribute."

Richard Hamilton scored 15 points and Jahidi White and Chris Whitney each
added 13 for the Wizards, who shot a season-best 57 percent (45-of-79)
from the floor and won their second straight on the heels of a seven-game
skid.

Jalen Rose led with 31 points but the Bulls misfired on 9-of-11 3-point
attempts.

"You have to take it personal, there's a lot on the line" Rose said.
"You have to challenge the guy in front of you and say, 'You're not
going to do what you want to do against me.'"

The Wizards took control in the early going, holding the Bulls without
a field goal for the final 3:48 of the first quarter amidst a 9-3 run.
Alexander had six points in the burst, which allowed Washington to
take a 32-21 lead into the second quarter.

"The focal point, get up and guard, we're just not getting it done. Whether
it is the youth, or the players who are not familiar with one another, we're
just a step slower than what we're trying to accomplish," said Cartwright.

The win was Washington's fifth in its last seven home meetings with
the Bulls, who are an NBA-worst 3-27 on the road.

Tyronn Lue had 11 points Christian Laettner pulled down 11 rebounds as the
Wizards took a 47-29 advantage on the boards. Washington also enjoyed
a decisive edge at the foul line, hitting 22-of-31 to the Bulls' 12-of-15.

"T-Lue was sick and I told him I hope he's sick for the rest of the year
because I thought this was his best game," Wizards coach Doug Collins said.
"I thought he played with a great rhythm and great confidence."

The Bulls closed within 63-57 midway through the third quarter on Eddy
Curry's layup, but a three-point play by Hamilton gave Washington some
breathing room. Hassell countered with a lay-in but Alexander hit two
free throws, White dunked and Whitney stroked a jumper, giving the Wizards
a 72-59 lead.